The discovery of a vast ocean deep within the Earth, approximately 700 kilometers below the surface, has astonished scientists. This hidden sea is stored within a mineral called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/ringwoodite">ringwoodite </a>, possessing a unique capacity to absorb water. <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/trajectorymatrix/p/hidden-ocean-beneath-earths-crust?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3590yk">Read here for free </a>

Hidden Ocean

The existence of this vast water reservoir suggests the presence of a massive underground store. This water, as it flows through the layers of the Earth, could potentially cause sections of the mantle to melt. Further support for the notion of a hidden ocean trapped within the Earth comes from the observation of melted material found between mineral grains in the transition zone.

Transition Zone

The ringwoodite is like a sponge, soaking up water, there is something very special about the crystal structure of ringwoodite that allows it to attract hydrogen and trap water.

This discovery challenges previous ideas and suggests the possibility of a whole-Earth water cycle, potentially clarifying the abundance of liquid water on our planet's surface.

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The reservoir's volume, estimated to be three times greater than that of all the oceans combined, underscores its significance. After decades of search, scientists have finally confirmed the existence of this elusive deep water.

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The discovery of a vast ocean deep within the Earth, approximately 700 kilometers below the surface, has astonished scientists. This hidden sea is stored within a mineral called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/ringwoodite">ringwoodite </a>, possessing a unique capacity to absorb water.

Scientists stumbled upon this discovery while studying earthquakes, using seismometers to pick up shockwaves originating from deep within the Earth. Their research revealed a significant amount of water stored in minerals within a section of the Earth's mantle known as the <a href="https://www.mantleplumes.org/TransitionZone.html">transition zone </a>.

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Geophysicist Steve Jacobsen, a key member of the discovery team, noted:

The ringwoodite is like a sponge, soaking up water, there is something very special about the crystal structure of ringwoodite that allows it to attract hydrogen and trap water .

Studying this ocean can reveal insights into the composition and behavior of Earth’s mantle. It sheds light on the deep processes that shape our planet.

The presence of such a vast reservoir could influence geological phenomena, including volcanic activity, seismic events, and plate tectonics.

While extracting water from this depth is currently beyond our technological capabilities, future advancements might allow us to tap into this immense resource.

Understanding the movement and distribution of water within the Earth can enhance our knowledge of climate dynamics and habitability.

Scientists are starting to think that Earth's oceans might have come from deep within the planet. This idea could change how we see where Earth's water is and how it moves. It suggests that water might be hiding in the mantle, moving through the rocks.

The subterranean water reservoir is expected to remain stable over the next five years, shielded from surface disturbances by its location deep within the Earth’s mantle. However, scientists will closely monitor seismic activity and mantle changes to understand any potential shifts in the water's behavior.

Researchers will focus on investigating how the water stored within ringwoodite interacts with surrounding minerals over the next decade. They aim to understand if it alters the properties of ringwoodite and facilitates chemical reactions. These insights will provide crucial information about the long-term stability of the reservoir.

Despite current challenges in extracting water from such depths, advancements in drilling techniques and materials science are anticipated over the next 15 years. These advancements may enable scientists to explore the hidden ocean further. Accessing this water could revolutionize resource availability and address water scarcity if successful.

<ul><li>Ringwoodite : A mineral found in the Earth's mantle, capable of absorbing water like a sponge due to its unique crystal structure. </li><li>Transition Zone : A section of the Earth's mantle located approximately 400 to 700 kilometers below the surface. </li><li>Seismometers : Instruments used to detect and measure seismic waves caused by earthquakes and other seismic activities. </li><li>Whole-Earth Water Cycle : The concept suggesting that water circulates through various reservoirs within the Earth, including the oceans, atmosphere, and now potentially deep within the mantle. </li><li>Geological Phenomena : Natural processes and events related to the formation and movement of Earth's crust, including volcanic activity, seismic events (such as earthquakes), and plate tectonics. </li><li>Habitability : The suitability of a planet or environment for supporting life, influenced by factors such as climate, availability of water, and geological stability. </li><li>Mantle : Earth's layer between the crust (outer shell) and core (innermost part). It's composed of solid rock that can flow slowly over time. </li><li>Transition Zone : The boundary between the upper and lower mantle, where there are significant changes in temperature, pressure, and material properties. </li><li>Plate Tectonics : Theory explaining Earth's surface movements. </li> </ul>

Hidden Ocean Beneath Earth's Crust

Hidden Ocean

Transition Zone

STEVE JACOBSEN

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